Ireland Colliery Chesterfield band changes

Ireland Colliery Chesterfield Band would like to thank three players who, after some time with the band have now made the decision to move on.

Karen Jefferson (Solo Horn) had been a member of ICCB for over 2 years and was a dedicated and committed player, travelling a round trip of over 150 miles for each practice from her home in Lincolnshire. Zoe Simpson (Solo Cornet) had been with the band for a year and due to family commitments has taken a break from banding. Nigel Bunting (Eb bass), an old friend of the band for many years, and helped out on many occasions has now decided to move on to a new band.

Chairman Gary Willis extended his thanks to the players saying ‘we would like to thank all three players for their commitment over their time with the band and we wish them well for the future and hope they continue to progress with their band of choice’.

The organisation has moved quickly to cover these seats with Rob Smith taking back the Solo Horn seat he held for 4 years previously; Rob had at the time stepped down due to work commitments but is now ready for the challenge of taking on the solo seat again. Gary Willis has moved back to the bassline on Eb bass to take it back to full strength.

The band would also like to welcome a young talent, Kier Evans on Solo Cornet, who joins ICCB from Loxley Band; Kier will be still honouring his commitments with Loxley until later in the year, but will be working with ICCB to develop his already promising talent.

Ian Knapton MD commented ‘ICCB are like any other brass band in the country at the moment, striving to fill seats due to the movement of players. This is not always achievable immediately, but we have a committed core of players who continue to show commitment by attending two rehearsals a week. It’s this commitment that enables the band to grow in performance and strengthens the organisation. We have some great concerts and contests coming up and hope to be back up to full strength by the summer season’.